The Debaters

It’s spooky season, and we’re asking: Is Halloween for adults? Matt Falk says grown-ups can be ghouls too, but Isabel Zaw-Tun believes this haunted holiday is for kids. Then, should you always follow the instructions? Peter Brown says step-by-step is best, but Levi McCachen claims that’s a recipe for disaster.

Featuring: Matt Falk, Isabel Zaw-Tun, Peter Brown, and Levi McCachen.

Can you never get enough pumpkin? Laurie Elliott is proudly pro-pumpkin, but Kyle Brownrigg says this overrated squash has him seeing orange. Next, do we all need to join a band? Wes Borg is ready to rock out, but Maddy Kelly believes this plan is bound to fall flat. Note, for all you keen Debaters fans, this is one from our vaults! 

Featuring: Laurie Elliott, Kyle Brownrigg, Wes Borg, and Maddy Kelly.

(Originally recorded in September 2019 and February 2020)

This week, we’ve got a debate that might get as rocky as the Rocky Mountains: Do Albertans have the most common sense? Alberta-born Henry Sir claims his people are the most sensible, but Edmonton’s Lisa Baker is ready to Stampede over his argument. Then, we’re pitting moustaches against beards! Jan Caruana keeps a stiff upper lip when she defends moustaches, but Ola Dada is prepared to battle it out for beards.

Featuring: Henry Sir, Lisa Baker, Jan Caruana, Ola Dada.

Is the Legion hall the best place for a night on the town? Brittany Lyseng serves up the funny with her pro-Legion plea, but Ryan Williams believes there’s better places to party. Then, it’s Thanksgiving weekend and we’re asking: Should family obligations be optional? Emily Woods argues for freedom when it comes to family affairs, but Patrick Ledwell says these occasions are too special to miss.

Featuring: Brittany Lyseng, Ryan Williams, Emily Woods, and Patrick Ledwell.

The Debaters has been nominated for a Signal Award! You can vote for us here.

Does the rising cost of living mean adult children should move back in with their parents? James Mullinger says there’s no better time to move back with mom and dad, but Hisham Kelati believes it’s better to leave the nest for good. Then, is there nothing better than a coupon? Lara Rae is prepared to vouch for vouchers, but Bruce Clark claims these discounts are no big deal.

Featuring: James Mullinger, Hisham Kelati, Lara Rae, and Bruce Clark.

The Debaters has been nominated for a Signal Award! You can vote for us here.

When it comes to gifts, is it the thought that counts? Charlie Demers brings a thoughtful argument in support of thoughtful gifts, but Deborah Kimmett refuses to wrap her head around it. Then, does wealth beat fame? Chad Anderson would bet money that it’s superior to be rich, but Sean Lecomber says it’s better to be a VIP.

Featuring: Charlie Demers, Deborah Kimmett, Chad Anderson, and Sean Lecomber.

This week, we’re putting everything on the line when we pit clotheslines against dryers. Katie-Ellen Humphries is pro-clothesline and she’s prepared to hang her opponent out to dry, but Myles Morrison is ready to get into a tumble when he defends dryers. Then, should Saskatoon be Saskatchewan’s capital city? Peter Brown claims this cultural hub is ready for a new title, but Cory Mack believes Toontown just isn’t capital material.

Featuring: Katie-Ellen Humphries, Myles Morrison, Peter Brown, and Cory Mack. 

It’s the premiere of The Debaters’ 21st season and we want to know which camp you’re in: Tent or RV? Gavin Clarkson pitches a perfect argument for tents, but Yumi Nagashima champions the creature comforts of RVs. Then, do the toughest Canadians come from Saskatchewan? Kelly Taylor says his home province spawns strength but Myles Anderson believes toughies come from far and wide.

Featuring: Gavin Clarkson, Yumi Nagashima, Kelly Taylor, and Myles Anderson.

Are high school friendships forever? Charlie Demers believes in these lasting bonds, but Heidi Brander says it’s high time to put high school friends aside. Then, does a nosy neighbour beat a noisy neighbour? Lisa Baker is prepared to eaves-drop a bomb when she argues for nosy neighbours, but Derek Seguin is ready to defend having a next-door noise-maker.

Featuring: Charlie Demers, Heidi Brander, Lisa Baker, and Derek Seguin.

This episode of The Debaters first aired on Oct. 30, 2025. We’ll be back with brand new episodes Sept. 10!

This week, we’ve got a brainy battle on whether museums are the secret to smarts. Museum-goer Isabel Zaw-Tun is ready to exhibit her knowledge, but Wassim El-Mounzer is against these displays. Then, are rules meant to be broken? Deborah Kimmett brings a criminally funny argument, but Don Kelly says rules have reasons.

Featuring: Isabel Zaw-Tun, Wassim El-Mounzer, Deborah Kimmett, and Don Kelly.

This episode of The Debaters first aired on Jan. 22, 2026. We’ll be back with brand new episodes Sept. 10!